Lions rebound in a big way

Hernando Christian bounced back from two straight losses in a big way with a 47-0 victory over Lake Mary Prep (0-6) on Friday night.

The Lions (2-2) have exceeded their 2004 win total.

After a demoralizing 50-0 loss to Calvary Christian and a heart-breaking 14-9 loss to Landmark Christian, the Lions are taking their time cherishing the win.

"They're flying," Lions coach Steve Johnson said.

Ryan Walczak set off Hernando Christian's scoring stampede with an 11-yard touchdown run.

"Once he got into the secondary he did the rest," Johnson said of the team's vocal leader. "It was good to see him go."

Walczak and fellow running back Corey Drummond were the principal gainers of the Lions' 337 total rushing yards - a season high. Add that to the fact quarterback Stephen Johnson wasn't sacked and it's safe to say the Lions offensive line was a major factor in the win.

"Our line finally did what they were supposed to do," Johnson said. "The backs were saying the holes were there, both inside and out. They did a great job."

The offensive highlight was Nate Dahmer's 55-yard touchdown. He caught the ball on a short out, juked past a defender, then raced down the sideline for the score.

Defensively, the Lions turned in a stellar game, holding Lake Mary Prep scoreless and allowing just two first downs. Jeff Clarkson led the team with 11 tackles and Clay Kessler was a defensive spark, recording a sack and forced fumble.

While a victory over hapless Lake Mary Prep is not the most prestigious feat, it is a building block for Hernando Christian. Still, the Lions have a tough season remaining.

"I told the guys to celebrate this weekend," Johnson said. "But we've got a tough one this week coming up (Riverview Providence Christian). Win or lose, we always have to be ready to come out the next week and do it again."